Moldova Advances EU-Aligned Mica Framework To Regulate Crypto Sector
Moldova is moving closer to officially regulating cryptocurrencies with a planned framework similar to the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) guidelines, which are scheduled to take effect by the end of 2026.
During an on national TVR Moldova in January 2026, Finance Minister Andrian Gavrilita talked about the government’s plans and stressed that citizens have the freedom to own and trade digital assets without them being recognised as legal tender.
This is Moldova’s first regulation just for cryptocurrencies, even though the central bank had warned about the hazards of volatility and money laundering.
Alignment with EU MiCA
The law meets Moldova’s obligations under , which entered into force for crypto-asset service providers on December 30, 2024.
Gavrilita said that the Finance Ministry, the National Bank of Moldova, the financial markets regulator, and the body all worked together to write the measure. While details are still being worked out, he complimented Estonia’s simple approach as a model, which shows that the regulatory road is balanced.
Restrictions on the Use of Crypto
The framework clahead states that cryptocurrencies can’t be used to pay for excellents or services in the US, prioritizing over widespread use. Gavrilita said, “We have the duty to regulate them, and it will be the right of citizens to hold these currencies.”
He also said that there are difficultys with the timeline that go beyond the next month. Moldova is taking this careful approach because it can handle the speculative nature of crypto without outright banning it.
Emphasizing the Speculative Nature
Gavrilita warned about the risks of cryptocurrencies many times, saying, “I don’t like to use the word investments when it comes to cryptocurrencies.” I think of them more as a speculative area. He stood by citizens’ operational rights despite these worries, and he plans to pass laws this year to protect them.
The source didn’t cite any outside analysts, but the minister’s comments suggest the government is taking a protective stance amid global scrutiny of cryptocurrencies.
Regional Setting
Moldova’s move differs from that of other EU countries in how it addresses gaps in MiCA. For example, in September 2025, , Austria, and Italy called for ESMA to overview large corporations.
In July 2025, the ESMA criticised Malta for issuing too many crypto licenses, indicating that enforcement was inconsistent. As Eastern Europe moves forward, Moldova’s MiCA-aligned policies should assist investors feel more secure and stop illegal money transfers.
